Lao Ling is bold for sure. Just imagine being in Hanyu’s position. 😛
Sunflower seeds CHAPTER 9Translated by newbienoona
Edited by anks
Both men turn subconsciously. They see Xiang Mankuai. She has changed into a dress. A light fragrance trails her; her makeup has been reapplied. She's definitely a lady.
Ling Hanyu recalls telling Han Qilu not to bring her along. The moment he spots Mankuai, Hanyu glares at Qilu.
Han Qilu is aware of Hanyu’s glare. He coldly stares back at Hanyu. "I didn’t bring her along."
When she gets close enough, she says, "I’m so glad I checked the GPS on my car. Otherwise, I wouldn’t have tracked you to the hospital. I was afraid i had to go to your residence. You forgot this."
Mankuai hands Han Qilu a bag of sunflower seeds. It’s her gift to him for escorting her home. He told her he’d have the seeds planted in the Han garden. But when Hanyu called, Qilu left them behind. Since cabs didn’t drive by where Mankuai lives, Han Qilu was offered one of her cars.
If she went to the Han residence, she knows Jiang Yuan would be there, and she knows she wouldn’t like to see her. But if his family ever welcomed her, she’d definitely want to visit.
Mankuai suspects Ling Hanyu knows she’s never been invited to the Han’s, and this annoys her even more. For her future, for her family’s sake, she was once made to give up her feelings for Han Qilu. Fate has brought them back together since being in the States, and now, she’s being selfish, wanting to save their relationship.
Perchance, she’s in love with Qilu, and has only considered what she wants. But she didn’t considers his [feelings].
Han Qilu takes the bag without showing emotion. This might be his way of showing love.
"You could’ve waited till the next time we see each other." Han Qilu extends his arm to take the bag. He folds the pouch and shoves it down his pocket.
"I want you to plant it immediately. Remember, you have to do it yourself." Mankuai takes Qilu’s hand into hers like it’s natural. Then, she looks at Ling Hanyu. "Hanyu, are you unwell? Is that why you called him to the hospital?"
Ling Hanyu smiles, but the warmth doesn’t reach his eyes.
"I’m not injured, but Chuxia is." His eyes shift over to read Qilu’s face. "Courtesy of your push, she should be in a ward now."
"From the fall?" Mankuai moves. "I didn’t go to the hospital when I twisted my ankle. Is she that delicate?"
Frustrated, Ling Hanyu immediately says in anger, "The doctor said she got a concussion after hitting her head, so forced her to be examined in the hospital! She’s stronger than you. What would you do if your amnesiac boyfriend is stolen from under you?"
"Hanyu!" Qilu stops him soundly. "What are you saying?"
"Don’t think that what I’ve said is messed up, you’ll see soon enough." Ling Hanyu turns and walks into the hospital. "I told you what needs to be said. It’s your decision to see her or not."
Qilu and Mankuai watch Ling Hanyu disappear behind a set of elevator doors. Then, Mankuai says to Qilu, "Let's have lunch. I know a good place nearby."
"I should go see An Chuxia," Qilu says to Mankuai. "I should’ve known about the concussion. I misunderstood her."
"They’re just evaluating her for a concussion. They shouldn’t have the results yet, right?" She tugs on his shirt sleeve. "Return when the results are confirmed. Let’s have lunch first, then, you can buy her flowers. You don’t want to visit her empty-handed, right?"
Han Qilu is dumbfounded. "I thought you didn’t want me to see her?"
"She is your meimei." She says the word heavily before leading Han Qilu away from the hospital. She smiles brilliantly under the sun.
She’s not afraid of Han Qilu recovering his memories. Right now, they are making new ones. And when he gets his old memories back, he’ll surely realize they’re better suited as a couple.
***
An Chuxia is asleep in the ward.
Ling Hanyu is about to open the door when Lao Ling opens it from inside. After his initial shock, the old man shoos him away before exiting the room and closing the door behind him.
"The doctor recommended her to rest, and since she’s asleep, let’s not bother her." Lao Ling leads Hanyu away.
The scent of disinfectant permeates in the air. An Chuxia's attending physician sees Lao Ling and Hanyu. He stands up quickly and greets them.
"She is diagnosed with a slight concussion. She said she fell, right?" The doctor extends a pointer and points at a spot on the CT film. "There’s a mild congestion and edema in this area where she hit her head. Our course of action is to inject her with medicine, then, take daily CT scans."
"Does that mean it’s not serious?" Ling Hanyu asks eagerly. "How long will it take? Is it necessary for her to remain hospitalized?"
The doctor replies with a smile. "It’s not serious. She should be fine in two weeks. But I suggest she remains in the hospital. If the intracranial hematoma becomes more serious, it might lead to more dire consequences."
"We will comply, doctor." Lao Ling smiles and gets up from his seat. "Treat her well."
"Definitely." The doctor politely smiles.
Ling Hanyu unconsciously stares at the elevator doors from the doctor's office. Lao Ling realizes his grandson’s waiting for Han Qilu. Alas, Qilu doesn’t appear.
"Hanyu." Lao Ling smiles down on his grandson. "Why don’t you seize the moment? You know, there is no better time than the present."
Ling Hanyu knows what opportunity his grandfather is referring to: Qilu may never recover his memories. It’s also a great opportunity to stay by An Chuxia. And if he played his cards right, she might choose to stay with him, too.
But he knows if she stays with him, she’ll never be truly happy.
"I won’t take another man’s woman." Ling Hanyu remains stalwart, his voice, clear.
"It’s right not to grab another brother’s woman," Lao Ling agrees, looking proudly at Xiao Hanyu. "But this time is different. You’re not taking his woman if Han Qilu doesn’t claim her."
It is a grand opportunity for An Chuxia to stay with him, but his conscience won’t allow him to rationalize.
It’s not that Qilu has let her go, he just forgot her temporarily. What he has to do is help Qilu fall in love with her again. But if they’re truly not meant to be together again, and Qilu insists on being with Mankuai, then, he’ll make sure Chuxia will never be alone.
Lao Ling looks into Ling Hanyu's eyes, but he decides not to say anything. Children have their own way of dealing with their problems. But as an old man, he will give his support whenever needed. He can stretch out his hand far enough without truly intervening.
Otherwise, his actions would be counterproductive.
The old man stands up and speaks softly, "We haven’t dined out together in quite some time. It’s your turn to treat me."
Shouldn't grandchildren treat the elders?
Ling Hanyu stands up after realizing his grandfather is speaking in circles. "Old man, I didn’t bring any money with me today."
Kuni, who’s in uniform, stands erect next to An Chuxia's door, causing people to look at her doorway. Hanyu quickly catches up with his grandfather's pace. He walks like he’s still spritely.
As they enter the elevator, Hanyu explains, "I left early, and except for my mobile, I really didn’t bring anything."
Lao Ling calmly puts his hands behind his back as the doors close. When they exit the elevator, he says, "Then, we’ll eat like kings, and you’ll have to cover for me."
Cover… Ling Hanyu is full of black lines. Only this time, he just wishes he would be put out of his misery.
"Old man! I’m not joking! I really didn’t bring my wallet!" Ling Hanyu is really anxious since his grandfather has no plans of paying.
In A City, wealthy people don’t use bank cards because it’s not expected of them! But smaller restaurants don’t necessarily know them, let alone, his grandfather. If they don’t get recognized, Hanyu truly can’t afford the meal!
"I’m not listening to you!" Lao Ling stops and stares at Hanyu seriously. "Today, grandfather is teaching you a lesson in being a man: sometimes, you have to be cheeky!"
"If we don’t get recognized, we’ll send Kuni to pay for it."
They enter a medium- sized restaurant. Since it’s early, there aren’t that many customers. Lao Ling approaches the counter. "Can we eat here for free?"
Ling Hanyu wishes for a hole to hide in, but with his grandfather present, it would be truly embarrassing if they were turned away.
The server gives them a once-over. They both wear designer outfits, people who seem to have money to spend. The rich, nowadays, are frugal-conscious. He thinks for a moment before smiling at them. "Yes, you may eat here for free. Seat for two?"
Another waiter ushers them in from the counter. "You may sit here. Here’s the menu."